Day trip

Rethymno: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

Activity provider:PLATANOS TOURS
Day trip

Rethymno: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

Activity provider:PLATANOS TOURS
Likely to sell out

From US$ 18.20 per person

Likely to sell out
Certified

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English, German, French
Pickup included
Hotel pickup is available in the areas of Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town,Sfakaki ,Stavromenos, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, Episkopi beach, or Georgioupoli. Pickup is from your hotel or the closest point accessible by a vehicle. You'll receive specific pickup information in a separate email from the activity provider. All the pickups from Rethymno's Old Town will be from the bus stop of the church of four martyrs.

Experience

Highlights
  • Swim in the crystal clear waters of Balos Bay lagoon
  • Climb the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island for unique views
  • Soak up some sun or go for a swim at the gorgeous Gramvousa Beach
  • Relax on a secure bus transfer to Kisamos port on the western part of Crete
  • Enjoy the convenience of included pickup and drop-off service
Full description
Depart Rethymno at approximately 07:45 and travel by bus along the new national road towards the westernmost tip of Crete. Pass the bay of Souda and the former Cretan capital of Chania before your arrival in Kissamos. Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon. Next, take a 20-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island for plenty of time to enjoy an unforgettable swim in the crystal clear waters. If you are feeling energetic, take an optional 137-meter climb up to the 16th-century Venetian Fortress for an incomparable view of the surrounding surroundings. Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours at peace on Gramvousa Island, and then take a 1-hour boat ride back to Kissamos. Upon arrival, continue to Rethymno by bus at the end of the laid-back tour.
Includes
  • Bus ticket and transfers by air-conditioned bus
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (from Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, and Atsipopoulo)
  • Guide
  • Driver
  • Liability insurance coverage
  • Free time in Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
  • Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon boat ticket (€30 cash per adult or €15 cash per child aged 5-12)
  • Venetian Fortress entry ticket (€1)
  • Lunch (available for purchase onboard)
  • Sun umbrellas (available to rent)
  • Photographer on the boat (at extra cost)
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beachwear
  • Cash

Know before you go

  • Walking shoes are necessary for the climb to the Venetian Fortress
  • Lunch and water can be purchased on board the boat
  • The cost of the boat ticket and the Venetian Fortress entry ticket (€30) is not included in the option with pickup from Rethymno
  •  This tour can only be booked by those staying in the areas of Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 369 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.3/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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Star rating:

We took this trip on 23d September! Thanks a lot to the great guide George/Georgios for smooth organising, being funny and answering all our questions. Best guide we had while staying in Crete! Weather was windy but it the blue water was still worth it.

May 30, 2023

The trip was ok, perfect if you like long beach days with beautiful view. but first things first, people in the bus were not wearing masks, and the fairy was overcrowded when we have covid times. Despite that in Balos we stayed for 2,5 h where you have plenty of time sunbathing, not much more to do there. And then 1,5 h in Gramvousa where you should take a walk to the fort if sunbathing is enough view is amazing. Also go swimming, water is amazing. All in all for me was too much of sun and noth much activities, but really nice view.

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May 30, 2023

At first arived a big and very comfortable with conditioner bus. Guide was very pleasant and tell us all needed information about our tour. The views were magical ❣️We climbed on the rock to look from the top. Water colours are magical. Water im Balos is about 25C, but in Gramvousa just about 18-19C ! But it is very good after climbing. Water is super solty, but in the ship is normal water whitch you can use before going inside the ship. Recomended !

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May 30, 2023

Product ID: 107590